adidas Group to open its biggest Distribution Center worldwide in Germany

Herzogenaurach, June 22, 2011 - The adidas Group today announced plans to open its biggest distribution center in Niedersachsenpark, Germany, in the first half of 2013. The planned distribution center will consolidate all flows and services under one roof for all three sales channels of both the adidas and Reebok brands: Wholesale, Own Retail and eCommerce. More than 200 permanent jobs will be created and a total amount of more than EUR 100 million will be invested by the time of the planned completion in 2013.

"Until 2015, we want to grow our business to € 17 billion. The new distribution center will enable us to bring our products faster and more efficiently to our customers and consumers," said Herbert Hainer, adidas Group CEO. "This major investment in a state-of-the-art facility in Niedersachsenpark also clearly shows our commitment to our home market, Germany."

From the planned distribution center in Niedersachsenpark, products will be delivered all across Western Europe with annual throughput expected to exceed 100 million pieces by 2015. Standardized distribution processes, full automation and integrated IT solutions will ensure a high level of service to customers across Western Europe.

"The adidas Group's new distribution center in Germany will support the ambitious growth targets of our company over the years to come. At the same time, this facility will enable us to reduce complexity, increase productivity and offer better services to our customers," commented Glenn Bennett, Executive Board Member of the adidas Group, responsible for Global Operations.

Ground is planned to be broken at the Niedersachsenpark location in August 2011. The go-live of the facility is expected to take place in the first half of 2013 with the distribution center forecasted to reach its full capacity by 2015. The facility will be part of the adidas Group's Green Company initiative which aims to reduce the environmental footprint of the Group's own locations.